Research Article 
Productivity and Oil Content of Soybean as Affected by Potassium Fertilizer Rate, Time and Method of Application
Asian Journal of Crop Science, 2020, 12(1), 19-25.
Abstract
Background and Objective: The demand for soybean is on the rise worldwide for its vegetable oil and high protein seed content. One of the reasons for the reduction in the crop’s area in Egypt is the high production costs, especially with the rise in fertilizer prices. Soybean requires high rates of potassium compared to other summer crops like maize. The main aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of replacing the soil applied mineral potassium fertilizer with a foliar form without affecting seed yield or oil content of seeds. Materials and Methods: A 2 year study was conducted, under irrigated conditions, to study the effect of 57 and 114 kg ha–1 potassium (K2O) applied to the soil and 0.58 and 1.16 kg ha–1 (K2O) sprayed on plants as foliar application at 2 soybean growth stages (V2-V3 and R2-R3) on growth, yield and yield attributes in addition to seed oil percentage of Giza 22 and Giza 35 soybean cultivars. Results: Results indicated the importance of K fertilization for improving yield and oil percentage of soybean. Foliar fertilization at the rate of 1.16 kg ha–1 applied at the R2-R3 stage (about 60 days after sowing), was superior in seed yield/plant and seed yield ha–1 as opposed to the soil application of 57 kg ha–1 and equivalent to 114 kg ha–1 applied to the soil. Conclusion: Foliar application of potassium at the rate of 1.16 kg ha–1 applied at the R2-R3 stage of soybean can replace the recommended soil application of 57 kg K ha–1 under irrigated conditions in Egypt, reducing the amount of potassium applied by 98%. This will achieve the targeted seed yield and oil percentage of soybean at much lower costs of production.
ASCI-ID: 4-260
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